Three dead in Nigeria fuel strike clashes

Three people have been shot dead during a nationwide strike in Nigeria against the government’s decision to scrap fuel subsidies.

The price of a litre of fuel has more than doubled from 31 to 66 euro cents after regulators made the move on January 1.

Protesters say they will continue striking until the old price is restored.

Two demonstrators were killed and thirty injured during a rally in the northern city of Kano, whilst one person was shot dead by police officers in the economic capital, Lagos.

Speakers at a march there included Femi Kuti, the son of late musical icon Fela Kuti, while prominent rights activists also took part.

The government says the subsidies had to be ditched to fund investment in the country’s refineries.

They cost six billion euros last year and made up 25 percent of state spending.

Unions believe any money saved will simply end up in the pockets of politicians and big business.

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